Jost Amman, Roman Woman, 1577, Hand-Coloured Woodcut

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Roman Woman – Antique Hand-Coloured Woodcut by Jost Amman, Plate CXLII, 1577 This rare early hand-coloured woodcut depicts a Roman … Read more Roman Woman – Antique Hand-Coloured Woodcut by Jost Amman, Plate CXLII, 1577 This rare early hand-coloured woodcut depicts a Roman woman in stately attire, titled in Latin Romana Foemina Honesta (“Honourable Roman Woman”). She is shown in a long red gown tied with golden tasselled cords, her head and shoulders draped with a voluminous white and blue mantle, symbolizing dignity and virtue. The German verses below describe how honourable women in Rome present themselves in public, emphasizing modesty and noble bearing. The plate comes from Jost Amman’s famous Habitus praecipuorum populorum tam virorum quam foeminarum singulari arte depicti, commonly referred to as the Trachtenbuch (Nuremberg, 1577, published by Hans Weigel). This groundbreaking costume book is one of the earliest and most important printed surveys of world costume, illustrating the attire of men and women from across Europe, Asia, and beyond. It provided Renaissance Europe with a systematic overview of contemporary dress and has remained a cornerstone reference in the history of costume. Jost Amman (1539–1591), originally from Zurich, was one of the most prolific and versatile illustrators of the 16th century. After settling in Nuremberg, he produced hundreds of woodcuts for books, single-sheet prints, and designs for decorative arts. His sharp, precise line and lively attention to detail made his works both artistically admired and highly influential. The Trachtenbuch is among his most enduring legacies, a masterpiece of early ethnographic curiosity and artistry. Condition: Good, with strong hand-colouring. Some light foxing and toning across the sheet, minor handling marks, and small edge imperfections consistent with age. Strong woodcut impression, plate well-preserved. Framing tips: A dark walnut or ebony frame with a cream mount will highlight the vivid red gown and create a scholarly presentation. For a more decorative Renaissance style, a gilt frame will add richness and emphasize its historical prestige. Technique: Hand-coloured woodcut Maker: Jost Amman, published by Hans Weigel, Nuremberg, 1577 See less